Norfolk police have advised motorists that many routes in the county are slippery, and reminded them to keep a safe distance from vehicles in front.

Norfolk County Council’s gritters were out yesterday evening to prepare the roads, and went out again during the night ahead of the morning rush.

Parts of Norfolk and north Suffolk experienced up to a centimentre of snow last night which, combined with freezing temperatures between the showers, has led to icy patches on roads and pavements this morning, said Weatherquest’s Jim Bacon.

“Temperatures were down to about -1C around most of the eastern counties and the wintry showers – rain, sleet, snow or even hail – when they are combined with frost in between, is a particularly difficult combination for drivers,” he said.

“There’s no great depth of snow fallen but it was falling on to a frozen surface, and that means roads are partially wet and partially frozen.”

The icy conditions are expected to last until late morning, particularly on side roads, and thin cloud cover will mean a likely repeat of last night’s overnight frost.

The wintry showers are expected to continue over the weekend, with a Sunday bringing heavier rain “possibly with snow on its front edge”, added Mr Bacon.

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